What Is Blood Pressure, And Why Should You Care?
This article is going to help you know all about blood pressure, so read till the very end
Blood pressure is just the pressure that blood uses to move inside your body. You see, every
time your heart beats, it pushes blood into your blood vessels.
These vessels are like pipes that carry blood to all parts of your body. If you have ever used a water hose to send water from one place to another, then you already have an idea. That water inside the hose needs enough push so it can reach all corners, right? That is exactly how blood works.
If the pressure of that blood is too much or high, the vessels can damage, burst or get weak. If it’s too low, the blood won’t go round well, and your body will not get the accurate oxygen and nutrients to reach vital parts that it needs. So blood pressure must be balanced, not too high, not too low. That is the only way your body can stay healthy.
Let us be honest. Many of us live the kind of life that gives blood pressure a free ride. We get home late from Lagos traffic, eat heavy food at night, deal with family stress, and barely sleep well. No rest, no balance. Some people say it is a spiritual attack whenever the case leads to a sudden death, but most times, it is a lifestyle that is attacking us. Blood pressure is also hereditary, that is, If your parents had high blood pressure, you might also get it. That one is not your fault, it’s in the blood.
How Do You Know If You Have High Blood Pressure?
That is the scary part. You might not even know. Some people walk around with very high blood pressure like 180 over 120 and still feel normal. Until something breaks. That is why it is called a silent killer.
Symptoms
1. Feeling Constant Headache : One thing you may notice is constant headache. If you always are having headache, and that it is staying for long, it may be a warning sign.
2. Irregular Heartbeat : Some people feel their chest tight, like it’s hard to breathe. Another thing is feeling your heartbeat like it’s running or jumping. If your heart is suddenly acting differently, faster or slower, or heavy, that is not good. Its a sign.
3. Sudden Weakness : You may even feel weak or tired without any real reason, even if you didn’t work or stress yourself , this may be a sign that you are developing blood pressure
4. Feeling Light-Headed : Sometimes your head may feel empty, like something has left it, if your head suddenly feels like it’s floating, something is not right, it may be a symptom, please don’t ignore it.
What Causes High Blood Pressure In Most People?
1. Eating Too much of Salt : Too much salt is really bad and one big enemy. Not just raw salt, but all the foods we eat that contain salt. Eating salty food every day can affect your blood pressure.
2. Too much Stress : This is another cause. Some of us are working morning till night, facing stress upon stress, with no rest. The body is not iron. It will tell, so it’s a factor too, don’t take this for granted.
3. Shouting With Anger : Take note that shouting in anger is also risky. When you raise your voice in rage, you are pushing blood fast into your blood vessels, and that pressure can cause harm over time.
4. Drinking Alcohol : One of the causes that makes it worse too. It tightens your blood vessels, so your heart has to push harder to send blood. This is simply another factor, you need to limit or stop taking alcohol
5. Lack of exercise: If you’re always sitting in one place, never exercising, just watching TV or on phone morning till night, don’t mix it up, that is not rest, it’s dangerous for real. Your blood may not even flow well.
And the last one that many people overlook is Thinking.
6. Overthinking : Too much overthinking is harmful. It can mess with your heart and pressure you badly. It gradually takes charge and is in control of how your blood flows, You may not see the harm quickly, but it is piling up slowly. Avoid that
What Can You Do To Control Your Blood Pressure?
1. Check your BP regularly : Even if it is once a month, go to any pharmacy or hospital nearby and ask for a check. It won’t cost much, and it can save your life.
2. Eat Less Salt and More Fresh Food : Reduce salt in your food. Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish. You don’t have to eat canned food all the time, just avoid salty or processed ones as much as you can. It will improve your health status
3. Exercise Regularly : Exercise doesn’t mean gym. Just take a walk. Walking around your street, going to buy something without a bike or car, riding a bicycle with good timing, even dancing in your room, these small things help your blood move well.
4. Relaxation : Find time to rest and relax often. Sometimes, just lay down in an open space,(may be in your compound or terrace or balcony, and feel fresh air). just rest your body and close your eyes for a while. Peace is medicine too.
5. Self control : Control yourself. As you are getting older, don’t let anger control you. Don’t shout every time. Don’t let small things raise your blood. Your heart is not as young as it used to be, so treat it with honor. And please, stop overthinking.
6. Do not Overthink : No matter the problem you’re facing, don’t let it scatter your mind. Thinking too much will never solve the issue, it will only cause hidden problems to your health, especially in this category, it will affect your blood pressure. Overthinking itself has high chances of causing blood pressure.
Conclusion
Blood pressure is not a poor man’s sickness. It is in many people, and sadly, most don’t know.
That is why it kills fast. Don’t wait until your body collapses. Start now. Watch what you eat,
how you think, how you sleep, and how you handle stress. Check your BP and stay healthy.
Your life matters. No pressure is worth your health.
